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Aside from mandatory physical education classes, high school students must exercise more. Due to the naturally sedentary lifestyle of many students, roughly one in ten high school students in the United States of America are obese. According to the CDC, not participating in a sport was the factor with the strongest correlation towards obesity in high schoolers. Although students have various levels of motivation regarding athletic achievement, people should consider the numerous benefits of participating in a sport during high school.
While some students argue that the time needed for studying prevents them from participating in athletics, they ignore the fact that exercise has been shown to improve focus and academic performance. According to the University of Sydney, research showed that moderate exercise, particularly during school hours, is associated with stronger academic performance in subjects related to math and science.
Like all aspects of life, a balance between one’s activities is needed to prevent burnout. While encouraging students to focus solely on sports, particularly if they are not interested in athletics, would be pointless and unhealthy, the same argument can be made for students who solely focus on academics. By having a healthy balance between physical activity and schoolwork, students will reap the benefits of being in both a good physical and mental condition.
Additionally, playing a sport during high school may inadvertently help students develop their teamwork and scheduling skills. By participating in practices and competitions, students can learn how to use their time efficiently in order to maintain a strong academic profile while still fulfilling their athletic obligations. Regardless of the sport a student chooses to participate in, some kind of collaboration is usually needed to achieve the desired outcome. Even in individual sports, student-athletes can still learn how to take advice from coaches and improve their game. Ultimately, this will translate into being able to take advice from both teachers and, eventually, leaders in the workplace.
Furthermore, sports also help people to thrive in competitive environments. While the importance of collaboration cannot be neglected, it is important for high schoolers to learn how to perform under pressure and deal with factors like unfair decisions from referees or obnoxious fans in the crowd. Student-athletes who can learn how to ignore hecklers or factors outside of their control will do better in future jobs where they must give presentations.
While others may contend that students should focus solely on academic success and not spend their time on sports, talented athletes who are able to balance the rigors of academics and competing at a high level can also greatly improve their college application. Earning a college scholarship can be a great way for motivated student-athletes to attend college at a reduced cost. In some ways, participating in a sport during high school may make college admissions more equitable, as it can potentially give talented athletes from less affluent communities a chance to earn a degree.
While not every student values physical activity equally, all students should at least try to participate in a sport during high school. Even students who choose to focus more on academics can benefit from sports, and being around others while exercising can provide social opportunities and valuable connections. Regardless of what sport one chooses to participate in, one will inevitably learn valuable life lessons, like collaboration and performing under pressure. By doing this, students can approach school in a more holistic manner, which will provide a balanced and more fulfilling high school experience.
